Reasonable handling expectations
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Racer
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 316
Likes: 0
From: Warwick Rhode Island
Reasonable handling expectations
Just as the title suggests... It's pretty much a given that most modern sports cars handle better than factory spec C3's. I'm new to the corvette world - I just bought my 79 L-82 less than two weeks ago and I'd like to ask the following; how good can we make our cars handle? What would you compare them to in modern terms (i.e. comparing it to a new corvette as a benchmark maybe)? What have some of you used to improve your handling for the street?
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,986
Likes: 21
From: Columbus MN
My '80 handles GREAT on any street I drive on. I replaced the steel rear spring with a composite spring, front suspension with tubular A-arms and front composite monospring, Steeroids rack & pinion steering, custom traction bar, etc. There are LOTS of higher-end handling packages out there, but I think I hit that magical balance between handling and ride. 
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,345
Likes: 3
If you have solid suspension bits, including bushings, and run top flight 17" wheels and tires (I run 17 x 8 wheels with 245ZR4517 Goodyear Eagle F1s) you can run PRETTY close to any modern sports car.
My '69 is within 80% of my '04 Viper SRT-10 from a handling standpoint. On the street it is not as different as you might think. Both can slam you and your passengers hard against the door panels in high speed transient handling maneuvers.
The Viper has a much broader power band as you'd expect with those extra 150 cubic inches.
My '69 is within 80% of my '04 Viper SRT-10 from a handling standpoint. On the street it is not as different as you might think. Both can slam you and your passengers hard against the door panels in high speed transient handling maneuvers.
The Viper has a much broader power band as you'd expect with those extra 150 cubic inches.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 16,100
Likes: 17
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,560
Likes: 4
From: Arlington texas
Upgrading my suspension is on a long list of things to do. But taking it to the track a few times, I haven't been all that disappointed in it. It's more of the driver than the car in most cases.
I'm curious what others have to say about their suspension mods.
I'm curious what others have to say about their suspension mods.
